ABOUT 70 vehicles have started off on a go-slow drive through Ellesmere Port to North Wales to protest about soaring fuel prices.

The convoy headed off with a police escort around 10.30am from the M56 Hapsford Services along the A5117 before turning on to the M53 motorway and joining up with the A55 towards Colwyn Bay.

The protest was organised by motorists Mark Waterworth and Gwil Ritchie from Ryhl, who will be handing over a petition demanding action over spiralling fuel costs to the Welsh Assembly’s transport office at Colwyn Bay.

They jointly set up an action group on Facebook last month called Fuel Protest 2008 North West UK and Wales which has over 9,000 members.

Mr Waterworth, 36, said: “This is a peaceful protest. It’s all about the people, everybody is struggling and something needs to be done.

“We’ve got about 1,000 signatures on the petition. When we reach Colwyn Bay six vehicles will peel off and hand it over.”

Mr Ritchie, 38, added: “This protest is something for the general public to participate in. From smaller businesses to housewives, we’re all affected. Hopefully, it will make a difference.”

The convoy is planning to return to Hapsford Services via the same route between 4 and 5pm, which is where the protest will end.